Microsoft Exchange 2016 - Preview

21st August 2015

Microsoft Exchange 2016 - Preview

Exchange Server 2016 is Microsoft's latest release for its on-premises email server. The first dogfood mailbox was deployed in November 2014, and it was announced at Microsoft's Ignite event in May of this year. At the time of writing, it is currently in Preview mode, and is planned to be fully released in late 2015. Within this time, Microsoft has stated that more features and improvements will be implemented before the full release.

What is Exchange 2016?

Based on feedback from the use of the Office 365 cloud email server, it is an on-premises tool that has been improved from previous versions to work better with cloud service usage. The components that make up Exchange 2016 are already being used by millions of mailboxes on across Office 365. Essentially, Microsoft has refined and improved these cloud email features to deliver to on-premises servers.

So what's the difference in tech? MAPI over HTTP is now the default client protocol for Outlook, and MAPI/CDO is gone being replaced by Exchange Web Services. The CAS (Client Access Server) role has also been removed with it being added to mailbox role (Exchange 2013 has two roles - Mailbox and Client Access - whereas Exchange 2016 merges these into one role - Mailbox).

What are the benefits?

Microsoft have promised a host of benefits for the release of Exchange 2016. Below we break down the main elements on how it effects both IT professionals and end users.

Simply Mail Solutions deliver the most up-to-date technologies to benefit customers, including our hosted Exchange packages. Like with all updates, we have a rigorous process in assessing the impacts that product change-overs can sometimes cause. Sign-up to our newsletter to stay informed on the latest developments for Exchange 2016 and other technological advances.